Public Budgeting and Finance Graduate Certificate

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Public Budgeting and Finance is designed to meet the growing need in our governments to understand and apply varied and complex budgeting and financial practices. The program is primarily aimed at students who wish to specialize in budgeting and finance careers in the public sector. The certificate curriculum prepares students to pursue the Certified Government Finance Officer designation from the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Public Budgeting and Finance is comprised of 18 credit hours of graduate courses, including four required courses and two electives. This certificate prepares students for budgeting and financial careers in government.

Required Courses: 12 Credit Hours

Students must achieve a grade of “B-” (80%) or better in every course. Grades ‘C’ or lower cannot be used to fulfill certificate requirements. Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Application Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

All applicants to this certificate program will be required to submit:

An official transcript in a sealed envelop from each college/university attended, showing a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.

A current, professional resume.

Statement of Goals: This is a key component of the admission review process and serves as an example of the applicant’s ability to express him or herself in writing. The goal statement must be no longer than two pages and should address the following:

What is your reason for pursing graduate study in Public Budgeting and Finance, including your future goals and plans?

Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered. Admission to this certificate is competitive; applicants meeting the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Application Deadlines

Public Budgeting and Finance Graduate Certificate

*Fall Priority

Fall

Spring

Summer

Domestic Applicants

Jul 1

Nov 1

International Applicants

*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.